"He is hugely influential at times in these European games," Lennon told reporters. “He enjoys the arena, he enjoys the challenge that these games bring.

"You all saw on Saturday what a talent he is and when he plays like that he is very difficult to stop.

"I hope that he hasn't peaked too early because I feel that to get something out of the game I need Samaras to have a big game.

"In the Nou Camp, before he went off injured, he was causing Barcelona lots of problems and I am hoping for more of the same tonight."

Lennon is also hoping Fraser Forster will play to his capabilities in goal, adding: "What you need against Barcelona is a fair amount of luck if you want things to go well way on the night and you need your goalkeeper to play very well.

"And in Fraser Forster I have got one of the best goalkeepers in the competition."